November 10, 2022

Rhonda Patterson
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes: See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
Matthew 6:25-30

Worry. We’re all tempted by it, I dare say on a daily basis. It’s said that worry is a thief of joy, and I can certainly agree with that. It steals our peace as well. But every temptation to worry in light of my position in Christ, actually presents another opportunity for me to trust in Him, where peace abounds. I wish I could say that I enter that peace quickly, without giving worry an ounce of my time. But often, it’s in the midst of angst over my circumstance, that the Lord gently reminds me that He offers a much better way.

In this passage, Jesus is referring to our concerns over provision. He wants us to trust that God will meet our needs. I remember a time, as a young mother, taking one of my sons who was ill to our pediatrician and bursting into tears because I didn’t have the money to pay her. I remember being so anxious and embarrassed even as I drove him to her office. She gently but firmly told me to never hesitate to bring my children in because of financial strain. She blessed me with so much peace that day, and I have never forgotten her grace. Years later, I can look back and know that God provided for me through the kindness of this doctor.

Think of a time when God eased your worried mind by providing exactly what you needed? Let’s thank Him for that today.